Stornoway, Scotland | By Scotland Channel City finder Stornoway of Lewis Island Located in the Western Isles of Scotland is a fascinating town called Stornoway. With a history dating back many centuries, a beautiful setting and much to please the eye, Stornoway of Lewis is well worth a visit. Stornoway is said to have begun as a Viking settlement that progressively grew in a lovely natural harbor. The town's name is believed to come from the word 'Stjornavgr', which means “Steering Bay” in Norse. Some time in the 1100s a castle was built proudly overlooking the town by the MacNicol family. Stornoway Castle was annexed by Leod, predecessor to the MacLeods of Lewis. The Middle Ages saw much fighting amongst Scottish clans and the MacLeod family was much despised by the government in Edinburgh. King James VI attempted to remove their influence in 1597, but did not succeed. In the 1600s the castle of Stornoway was crushed by forces led by Oliver Cromwell. The town came under control of the MacKenzies.

As time progressed, Stornoway town saw the rising of buildings, a port and other developments. In 1844 the area of Lewis, including Stornoway was bought by Sir James Matheson. Matheson was responsible for the construction of Lewis Castle . Then in 1918, Lewis was sold to Lord Leverhume. Today, Stornoway is a popular tourist destination. A busy little town with a bustling harbor, visitors to Stornoway will have a delightful adventure. The town is a doorway to the island of Lewis and its many attractions dating far back in history. Stornoway itself offers sightseers plenty to view including the Stornoway Town Hall, Lewis Castle, the arts center and Lewis Loom Center. Many streets have been made available only for use by pedestrians. Around the town center, visitors will discover pleasant stores including those which sell Harris Tweed. Located on the castle grounds you will find Stornoway Golf Club. Interestingly, this is the only golf course in the Outer Hebrides with 18 holes. The Hebridean Celtic festival is also hosted on the estate every July. You won't want to miss this exciting 3-day event.

Those who decide to visit Stornoway should know that the town's inhabitants strongly adhere to the Sabbath. Hence, you may find many of the stores, pubs, petrol stations and attractions are closed throughout Sunday. There are certain exceptions to the rule, however, such business are usually only open for limited hours. Tags: Stornoway Isle of lewis Outer Hebrides Welcome to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis This website information has now been re constructed on of-lewis.com Please click the link above to be transfered Stornoway is the main town on the Isle of Lewis and is also the home of the Western Isles Council. Just over 6,000 people live in the town, which represents about a third of the Islands total population. The economy is a mix of traditional businesses like fishing, Harris Tweed and farming, with more recent influences like Tourism, the oil industry and commerce brought about by the digital revolution and communications. Stornoway is the main port on the Island, due to its sheltered location with the ferry to Ulapool a regular visitor.

The sheltered harbour is the reason for Stornoway's existence and was named by the visiting Vikings "Steering Bay" which, when phonetically translated, became the name Stornoway. The town has a wide range of facilities ranging from a large secondary school, (Nicholson Institute) and technical college, to sporting facilities, which includes a brand new sports complex. The complex would be the envy of most mainland small cities with its 25 metre pool, climbing walls, fitness suite, soft play etc. Click here to see more in detail. The town also has a Golf Course, Astro Turf pitch, Go-Carting and even a paintball action area. Cruises around the area by boat are available during the summer months, embarking from the pontoons behind the Lifeboat Station. Cultural facilities are well catered for with a good museum , art gallery and library . An Lantair, a brand new arts complex was opened in summer 2005. Outer Hebrides including Harris Lewis and Uist – Scotland Info Guide Wildlife Most islands on the Outer Hebrides are host to large numbers of wildlife due to the huge variety in (protected) habitats and vast areas of unspoilt nature.

Golden Eagles, Otters, Corncrakes and a huge variety of waders inhabit the islands and attract many visitors. The Outer Hebrides also offer opportunities for the more adventurous visitor; kayaking, canoeing, sailing, surfing, kiting, climbing, hill walking and more. The Far North-west Isle of Lewis Population and Inhabited Islands With only 26,370 inhabitants and an average of 9 people per square kilometre the Western Isles are one of the least populated areas in Scotland. The populated islands of the Outer Hebrides and number of inhabitants (approx.); Lewis and Harris 20,000, South Uist 1,800, North Uist 1,300, Benbecula 1,200, Barra 1,100, Berneray 140, Scalpay 320, Great Bernera 230, Grimsay 200, Eriskay 130, Vatersay 100, Baleshare 50.

Unpopulated Islands The unpopulated islands of the Outer Hebrides are: Barra Isles, Boreray, Calvay, Campay, Eilean Chaluim Chille, Eilean Iubhard, Eilean Kearstay, Eileanan Iasgaich, Ensay, Fiaray, Floday, Flodday, Floddaybeg, Floddaymore, Fuday, Fuiay, Gighay, Gilsay, Groay, Hellisay, Hermetray , Killegray, Kirkibost, Lingay, Little Bernera’ Mealasta Island, Mingulay, Opsay, Oronsay, Orosay, Pabbay near Harris, Pabbay Mor, Ronay, Scaravay, Scarp, Scotasay, Shiant Islands, Shillay, Soay Beag, Soay Mor, Stockinish Island, Stromay, Stuley, Sursay, Tahay, Taransay, Vacsay, Vallay, Vuia Beg, Vuia Mor, Wiay Map of the Outer Hebrides Isle of Lewis Lewis is the most northerly island of the hebrides and the largest island of

 the Outer Hebrides.

Lewis has a history that goes back thousands of years and ancient stone circles and standing stones can be found everywhere. On the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, at Callanish, stands the awesome collection of stone circles and rows of standing stones called the ‘Hebrides’ Stonehenge’. More to the west is the Blackhouse Village of Gearrannan with a museum and cafeteria. Some of Lewis’ highlights are Garry Beach near Tolsta, Ness with the Butt of Lewis and harbour surrounded by fantastic cliffs and a very huge standing stone at Clach An Truiseil near Brù. Most villages can be found near the coasts and in particular on the east coast around Stornoway. The interior of Lewis consists mostly of moorland and was, and still is, an excellent source of peat which is used as fuel. The southern part of Lewis has more mountains. Gaelic is the main language in the Western Isles together with English. The Western Isles culture remains very strong, and the Sunday is still strictly lived by the Free Church traditional values.

Callanish Standing Stones and Stone Circle Isle of Lewis Gearrannan Blackhouse Museum Isle of Lewis Stornoway Stornoway is the pleasant capital of the Outer Hebrides and located on the east coast of Lewis. Stornoway is also the main transport hub with and airport, ferry terminal and bus services on the Outer Hebrides. Stornoway is well worth visiting. There is an annual Celtic Festival and a new Art Centre, An Lantair. There are several interesting building in the town centre, such as Stornoway Town Hall and the neo-gothic Lewis Castle. Stornoway is also home to a museum and the Lewis Loom Centre which is the heart of the Harris Tweed industry on the Western Isles. Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris Sunrise over the Isle of Taransay from Harris St. Clements Church in Rodel Isle of Harris Isle of Harris Harris is bordered in the north by Lewis and also called North Harris, while south Harris is almost a separate island with the town of Tarbert as the centre. North Harris has the highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides, the Clisham at 799 metres. the north of Harris is hardly populated.

A bridge links the Isle of Scalpay to Harris. The southern part of Harris is less mountainous, with numerous unspoilt, white sandy beaches which are mainly on the west coast. Luskentyre and Scarista beaches are considered, by many and myself, to be the most spectacular. This area has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Western Isles and in fact in the whole of Scotland. Causeway between North Uist and Berneray on the other side. Note the “Otter Crossing Sign Isle of Berneray Isle of Berneray Berneray is an island in the Sound of Harris, close to North Uist in the south and Harris in the north east. With an area of a little over 10 square kilometres, Berneray rises to a height of 93m at Beinn Shleibhe (Moor Hill) and 85m at Borve Hill. Most of the people on Berneray live on the east coast near Bays Loch where there is a harbour. The west coast is mainly white sandy beach and dunes. Berneray currently has a population of around 130 people.

Berneray is linked to North Uist through a 900m long causeway which was opened first in 1998, and linked with Harris through a regular ferry service. Berneray is often confused with Great Bernera, also known as Bernera, which is an island in the Outer Hebrides off the west coast of Lewis. Bernera is linked to the west coast of Lewis by a road bridge. North Uist Beach North Uist Traditional Croft House North Uist North Uist is relatively flat compared with Harris except for the south east, and most of North Uist is covered with relatively low hills, many lochs and peat bogs. More than half of the island is covered by water. The mixture of fresh and salt water lochs creates interesting and sometimes unusual habitats. Lochmaddy is the main settlement on the island and it’s from here that the ferries leave for Uig on Skye. Lochmaddy has a shop, petrol station, tourist information office, an arts centre and other amenities. North Uist is also known for its interesting and diverse birdlife and the Corncrake is one the rare species here.

North Uist has many prehistoric structures, including a chambered cairn, the Pobull Fhinn stone circle and the Fir Bhreige standing stones. North Uist is also a pradise for birdwatchers and the island is home to an RSPB reserve at Balranald. Looking over Benbecula from South Uist Benbecula Benbecula is a rather flat island in between the two Uists and is connected by causeways. Benbecula has no ferry service but Benbecula Airport has daily flights to Stornoway, Glasgow, Inverness and Barra. Benbecula’s main village is Balivanich in the northwest, it houses a military base and its personell. Other villages include Craigstrome, which lies on the eastern half of Benbecula. The eastern part of Benbecula is quite flat, has some nice lochs and a nature reserve rich with birdlife. The only hill is 124 metres high. Typical South Uist landscape and Machair taken from the west looking east South Uist The west of South Uist consists of a continuous and most of the times deserted sandy beach backed with beautiful patches of Machair.

The east coast, in contrast, is mountainous with the peaks of Beinn Mhor 620m and Hecla 606m. Interesting sites on South Uist include the Kildonan Museum, housing the sixteenth century Clanranald Stone, and the ruins of the house where Flora MacDonald was born. The island is also home to the Askernish Golf Course, the oldest on the Outer Hebrides. The main village on the island is Lochboisdale, from which ferries sail to Oban on the mainland and to Castlebay on Barra. The island is also linked to Eriskay and Benbecula by causeways. Typical South Uist landscape Eriskay Eriskay is located just south of South Uist and connected with that island through a causeway which was opened in 2001. This was a good reason to make Ceann a’Gharaidh on Eriskay the ferry terminal to and from Ardmore on Barra, located to the south of Eriskay. Eriskay is famous for the Eriskay Ponies, picture on the right, and of course Eriskay is the real ‘Whisky Galore’ island.

It was just off Eriskay, between Great Todday and little Todday, that the S.S. Politician ran aground in 1941 with 50,000 cases of whisky aboard. The locals managed to save several hundreds of cases before the ship sunk into the sea, providing them with a good supply of their ‘Water of Life’. Isle of Barra Barra, which is one of the most southerly island of the Outer Hebrides, is and island with stunning scenery and beautiful beaches on the west part of the island. Barra is very suitable to be discovered by bike or by foot. Castlebay is Barra’s largest village and has an interesting castle, one of few by the way in the Western Isles. Kisimul Castle is owned by Historic Scotland and still occupied by a MacNeil Chief – Roderick, son of Robert Lister MacNeil – who pays an annual rent of 1 Pound and a bottle of whisky. Barra also has a ruined church, a museum at Cille Bharra and a number of Iron Age brochs and other structures. How to get to the Outer Hebrides There are basically two methodes of transportation to visit the Wester Isles.

By plane and by ferry. There are three airports on the Outer Hebrides and British Airways, Eastern Airways and Highland Airways have scheduled flights to the Outer Hebrides from several airports on the mainland with Inverness being the hub airport. Tarbert Ferry Terminal Airports on the Outer Hebrides Barra: The Island of Barra is located near the southern tip of the Western Isles. The Airport lies on the north east coast of the island. Washed by the tide twice a day it is the only beach airport in the world to handle scheduled airline services. Benbecula: Benbecula lies between North Uist and South Uist in the Western Isles. The airport is located on the west coast of the island. Stornoway: Stornoway Airport provides a key access point to Lewis and the Western Isles, with flights from Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow, and inter-island services to Benbecula and Barra. Ferry services to the Outer Hebrides Several ferry services are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (Calmac) from the mainland to the Outer Hebrides. Detailed information, routes and a map are available on the Island Hopping page.

Uig on Skye to Tarbert on Harris Western Isles Uig on Skye to Lochmaddy on North Uist Western Isles Oban to Lochboisdale on South Uist Western Isles Mallaig to Lochboisdale on South Uist (summer only) Mallaig to Castlebay on Barra (summer only) Local Ferries on the Outer Hebrides Tarbert on Harris to Lochmaddy on North Uist Leverburgh on South Harris to the Isle of Berneray Lochboisdale South Uist to Castlebay on Barra Berneray to North Uist and South Uist to Eriskay are connected through a causeway Further Information: Outer Hebrides Holidays, Hebrides Holidays, Scottish Island Holidays Visit the Hebrides Outer Hebrides Holidays & Scottish Island Holidays The Outer Hebrides comprise a chain of islands off the north-west Scottish mainland stretching some 210 kilometres. Their capital, the town of Stornoway, is overlooked by the iconic Lews Castle, built by Sir James Matheson with his proceeds from the Chinese opium trade.

Comprising four principal inhabited islands — Lewis , Harris , The Uists (North and South Uist and Benbecula) and Barra — and numerous others, most notably the UNESCO designated World Heritage Site of St.Kilda , a mini archipelago some 90 kilometres west of Harris, which is a must visit on all Outer Hebrides holidays. St.Kilda has the tallest sea cliffs in Britain and arguably the most important seabird breeding station in Europe making it a great place to visit during Scottish island holidays. The ancient Gaelic language is still heard throughout, and the place names reflect its often turbulent Norse past. More recently, evictions and emigration, and the losses of two world wars have decimated the island’s population and further shaped its people and their culture. The traditional industries of generations, fishing, Harris Tweed weaving and crofting continue to this day, with many of these traditional practices being on view to people on Outer Hebrides holidays. Presbyterian belief in the preservation of Sunday as the Sabbath Day, particularly on Lewis and Harris, adds to the unique feeling that Scottish island holidays bestow on the visitor.

Outer Hebrides holidays to the islands are renowned for their magnificent white sandy beaches and machair , (rich, sandy soils with an abundance of floral types) and which offer a beautiful contrast to the rugged hills and peatbogs found inland, all ageless and untouched. The skies and seascapes are endless and ever changing and a haven for photographers and artists. It is also a place steeped in history, the world-famous Callanish Stones, (unlike Stonehenge you can still walk amongst them!), beehive dwellings and iron-age houses, brochs (fortified stone towers), and more recent black-house villages, they are all here to be explored and wondered at during your Scottish Island holiday. The Outer Hebrides have been described by leading travel writer Simon Calder of the BBC and The Independent , as Scotland’s "Purple Cow". Scottish Island holidays are a great way for you to experience a side of the British Isles you probably never knew existed. If you are interested in our Outer Hebrides holidays, be it self catering accommodation in the Outer Hebrides , Outer Hebrides hotels or even information on Outer Hebrides tourist attractions , then please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Outer Hebrides — the unique jewel in the crown of Scottish destinations, a “must do” for your Scottish Island Holiday….. Lewis is an island of contrasts, with an incredible variety of land and seascapes. From the wild cliffs of the north-west to the stunning machair margins of the west; from lively Stornoway to the peace and stillness... read more > The five inhabited islands of North Uist, South Uist, Berneray, Benbecula and Eriskay are bounded by Lewis and Harris in the north and Barra and Vatersay in the south. Geographically, they are low-lyin... read more > Whilst the famous Tweed is Harris’ best-known export, the island offers a stunning range of other attractions for the visitor. Known and treated locally as an entirely separate island... read more > Barra and Vatersay sit as the two most southerly inhabited islands of the Outer Hebrides. They are also the two most westerly points of the Western Isles, reaching 75 miles out into the Atlantic...

read more > Stornoway Visitor Guide, Hotels, Cottages, Things to Do in Scotland Outer Hebrides Travel Directions to Stornoway Stornoway is the island's transport hub. The airport is 4 miles east of the town centre, a £5 taxi ride away. For details of flights to the other islands and the mainland. The CalMac ferry terminal is just beyond the bus station, which is on South Beach, a short walk from the town centre. Full ferry details are also given in Ins and outs. Buses leave from Stornoway to all parts of the island and also to Tarbert and Leverburgh on Harris. Bus timetables are available from the tourist office. Car Tours Hebridean Excursions offer a wide range of car tours around the Hebrides - their phone number is 01851 870 882. The town is compact and most of what you need is within easy walking distance of the tourist office. Some of the B&Bs in the residential areas are quite a distance from the centre, but there's an hourly town bus service, or hire a taxi from Central Cabs (Tel.

706900) Buses Buses leave from Stornoway to all parts of the island. Note that buses do not run on Sun. To Port Niss (Ness) via Barabhas (Barvas) 4-6 times per day; to Arnol, Siabost (Shawbost), Càrlabhagh (Carloway), Calanais (Callanish), and back to Stornoway ('West Side Circular') 4-6 times per day; to Bearnaraigh (Great Bernera) via Gearraidh na h-Aibhne (Garynahine) 4 per day; to Uig District 3-4 per day; to Ranais (Ranish) 6-8 times per day. For full details, Tel. 840269. There are also buses from Stornoway to Tarbert and on to Leverburgh (for the ferry to North Uist) 4-5 times per day (Tel. 01859-502441). Car and bike rental This is available at good rates from Lewis Car Rentals, 52 Bayhead St, Tel.

703760, Fax. 705860. Also Arnol Motors, in Arnol, Tel. 01851-710548 (Tel. 0831-823318 mobile), Fax. 710248. You can rent bikes at Alex Dan's Cycle Centre, 67 Kenneth St, Tel. 704025, Fax. 701712. Local Sights & Activities for Stornoway Stornoway is short on conventional tourist sights and once you've been to the tourist office and bought the necessities from the local supermarkets, there's not much else to do. The focal point of the town has always been its sheltered deep-water harbour and, though the fishing industry has declined since its peak at the end of the last century, there's still a fair amount of activity, especially at the fish market on North Beach on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The harbour is usually full of seals, giving the town its nickname of Portrona (port of seals).

There's a good view across the harbour to Lews Castle , a 19th-century edifice built by Sir James Matheson with money earned from opium and tea. The castle now houses a college and its real attraction is the wooded grounds, the only place you'll see trees on the islands. The Museum nan Eilean, on Francis Street, features a range of temporary exhibitions on island life and history. Info Apr to Sep Mon-Sat 1000-1730; Oct-Mar Tue 1000-1700 and Sat 1000-1300 . Free. Tel. 703773. Anyone remotely interested in Harris Tweed should visit the Lewis Loom Centre, housed in the Old Grainstore at the northern end of Cromwell Street, just off Bayhead. The 40-minute guided tour includes demonstrations of traditional methods of warping, dyeing and spinning, and a detailed lecture on the history of Harris Tweed. There's also a craft shop. Info Mon-Sat 1000-1700. Adult £2.Tel. 703117.

The impressive baronial Town Hall on South Beach currently houses the An Lanntair Art Gallery, though plans are afoot to move the gallery into a new arts centre. The gallery features the work of local, national and international artists and also stages various musical events. The coffee shop serves home baking and tasty snacks. Info Mon-Sat 1000-1730. Free. Tel. 703307, Nearby Ancient Monuments Scottish Islands - List of islands of Scotland Scotland Travel Guide Islands in Scotland The Scottish islands tend to be classified into four main categories: the Orkneys and Shetlands, and the Outer and Inner Hebrides The Outer Hebrides - or Long Island as they are also known - consist of a narrow 130-mile long chain of islands, lying 40 miles off the northwest coast of the Scottish mainland. Relentlessly battered by fierce Atlantic winds, the islands can seem a hostile environment and an unappealing proposition, particularly if you happen to be stuck there on a wet Sunday without your own means of transport.

Much of the interior is bleak peat bog, rocks and endless tiny lochs, and the long, straggling crofting communities only add to the feeling of desolation. But there are also miles of superb beaches, wild mountain scenery, numerous archaeological treasures and long hours of summer daylight in which to appreciate it all. Despite the frequency of transport connections with the mainland, the Outer Hebrides remain remote in every sense. Unlike Skye and the Inner Hebrides, tourism is of far less importance to the local economy. In many ways, the islands are the last bastion of the old Highland life. Though newer industries such as fish farming have been introduced, the traditional occupations of crofting, fishing and weaving still dominate, and outside Stornoway on Lewis (the only decent-sized town in the islands) life is very much a traditional one, revolving around the seasons and the tides. Almost every islander has more than one occupation, so don't be surprised if the landlady of your guesthouse also weaves Harris Tweed, or if her husband drives the Postbus as well as doing a bit of fishing on the side. This creates a network of relationships where everyone knows everyone else.

The Inner Hebrides comprise the great swathe of islands lying off the western coast of Scotland - east of the Outer Hebrides, south of Skye and west of the Kintyre peninsula. Each is very different in appearance and atmosphere and each has its own distinct appeal. The most accessible of the islands is Mull, a short ferry ride from Oban. It's also the most popular by far, and with some justification. The variety of scenery on offer is astounding and its capital, Tobermory, is the most attractive port in western Scotland. A stone's throw from Mull is tiny Iona, one of the most important religious sites in Europe, with some divine beaches. Boat trips can be made from Mull or Iona to the dramatic island of Staffa, looming out of the sea like a great cathedral and the inspiration for Mendelssohn's 'Hebrides Overture'. Further west, windswept Coll and Tiree offer miles of unspoilt beaches and some great windsurfing and, to the south, Colonsay is a stress-free zone that makes Mull seem hectic.

Those who enjoy a good malt whisky should head for Islay, famed for its distilleries, while neighbouring Jura is a wild and beautiful place, perfect for some off-the-beaten-track hiking. If you're after some peace and quiet on Jura then you're in good company, for this is where George Orwell came to write '1984'. Furthest north are the "small islands" of Eigg, Muck, Rùm and Canna, reached from Mallaig, but ignored by most tourists. People come here for the fine bird watching and superb walking. Car space on ferries is limited during the summer months, so it's advisable to book ahead. There are flights from Glasgow to Port Ellen Islay: 2 daily Mon-Fri and 1 on Sat (40 mins), all year round. From Glasgow to Tiree: 1 flight daily Mon-Sat (45 mins), all year round. For flight times, call British Airways Express, Tel. 08457-733377, the local Tourist Information Centres, or Port Ellen airport, Tel. 01496-302022, and Tiree airport, Tel.

01879-220309. CalMac car and passenger ferries sail to and from Mull, Islay, Coll, Tiree, Colonsay and Gigha, and passenger-only ferries sail to Iona and the Small Isles (Eigg, Muck, Rùm and Canna). The departure point for ferries to Mull, Coll, Tiree and Colonsay is Oban. Ferry times change according to the day of the week and time of the year, so they aren't listed in full below. Services listed below under each separate island are for the summer period (2 Apr-16 Oct). For full details see the CalMac Ferry Guide or call CalMac, Tel. 08705-650000, reservations@calmac.co.uk (reservations); Tel. 01475-650100, Calmac Ferry Services (general enquiries). For details of bus connections from Oban to Glasgow, contact Scottish Citylink, Tel. 08705-505050. For train services from Mallaig to Fort William and Glasgow, contact Scotrail, Tel.

08457-484950. There are regular daily train and bus services from Glasgow. For full details contact the TIC in Oban, Tel. 01631-563122. The departure point for ferries to Islay (and on to Jura), and some ferries to Colonsay, is Kennacraig. There are daily bus services from Glasgow, via Tarbert . Mallaig is the ferry port for the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck, Rùm and Canna. There are regular bus and train services from Glasgow, via Fort William. For bus, train and ferry times, pick up Argyll & Bute Council's free Area Transport Guides to Lorn, Mull and Islay & Jura, available at most tourist offices. For times of buses and trains to Mallaig, for the Small Isles, see the South Highland Public Transport Travel Guide (£1), available at main tourist offices. For details on how to get around the Inner Hebrides by public transport, see under the relevant island destination.

SHETLAND ISLANDS Puffins, Crofts And Vikings There's a sense of excitement during breakfast as our ship arrives in the town of Lerwick, the main community in the Shetland Island. After we leave the St. Clair there is the first visit of the day to Jarlshof prehistoric and Norse settlement where three acres of remains span some 3.000 years of history, and you'll get a real sense of how these ancient peoples survived in an environment that we would find extremely hostile. A scenic coastal drive brings us to the Shetland Croft House Museum, located within a 19th Century thatched building, and this time we discover a wonderful perspective on rural Shetland life in more recent times. This afternoon there is a drive to Sullom Voe, home to the mainstay of the islands' economy today-oil-and to remote Brae, overlooking Muckle Roe. ORKNEYS An Orkney Voyage C catch the mind-day sailing to the Orkney Island. The journey lasts for around 8 hours and on board our ship, we'll enjoy dinner en-route. On arrival in Stromness, it's only a short drive to our comfortable hotel in Kirkwall.

The administrative capital, Kirkwall, is on a relatively narrow strip of land joining West Mainland and East Mainland. Home to the St Magnus' Cathedral, it has about 8,500 inhabitants and a large port. The only other burgh is Stromness in West Mainland, with a population of about 2,000.The charm of Orkney does not lie in their ordinary physical features, so much as in beautiful atmospheric effects, extraordinary examples of light and shade, and rich coloration of cliff and sea. The islands are notable for the absence of trees, which is partly accounted for by the amount of wind (although the climate in general is temperate). The formation of peat is evidence that this was not always the case, and deliberate deforestation is believed to have taken place at some stage prior to the Neolithic, the use of stone in settlements such as Skara Brae being evidence of the lack of availability of timber for building. ORKNEY ISLANDS Stone Age Discoveries Orkney is home to many outstanding historic treasures and today will be a unique day of discovery as we begin with St Magnus Cathedral, one of Europe's great architectural achievements and over 860 years old.

Our next stop is the extraordinary Italian Chapel, where few will fail to the moved by the dedicated workmanship of the Italian prisoner of war who constructed this place of worship in a humble Nissan hut. Their story and many others will be told as we view Scapa Flow, the scene of momentous event in both World Wars. Located in West Mainland is the 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney', a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This comprises a group of Neolithic monuments which consist of a large chambered tomb (Maes Howe), two ceremonial stone circles (the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar) and a settlement (Skara Brae), together with a number of unexcavated burial, ceremonial and settlement sites. The group constitutes a major prehistoric cultural landscape which gives a graphic depiction of life in this remote archipelago in the far north of Scotland some 5,000 years ago. Skara Brae When a wild storm on Orkney in 1850 exposed the ruins of ancient dwellings, Skara Brae, the best preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe, was discovered. The excavated farming settlement dates back 5000 years.

Within the stone walls of the dwellings - separated by passages - are stone beds, dressers, seats and boxes for provisions, recesses for personal possessions, and a hearth where dried heather, bracken or seaweed was burned. A replica house has been created next to the site and many original artefacts found at Skara Brae (part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site) are displayed in the visitor centre, which has a café. The Ring of Brogar is a stone circle superbly located on land rising above the saltwater Loch of Stenness and the freshwater Loch of Harray. When first erected there were 60 stones here, in a perfect circle 104m in diameter. Today just 36 of the original stones are still standing, and one of those only just, having been split vertically by a bolt of lightning on 5 June 1980. Tomb of the Eagles Pre-dating the pyramids, 'Tomb of the Eagles' is estimated to be around 5000 years old. Farmer, Ronald Simison (Ronnie) discovered the Tomb in 1958 while looking for rock suitable to craft fencing corner posts.

Intrigued by an unusual rock formation, he scratched away some earth revealing a set of nicely finished stone tools, now believed to be ceremonial. Further digging revealed an outside wall encapsulating a black hole. It was at this point, he lit a cigarette lighter, and had his first encounter with our 5000 year old ancestors! Artifacts found in and around the tomb included bones of some 340 people, white-tailed sea eagle remains and a number of other animal bones, ceremonial and working tools, pottery and beads. From all this, it has been possible to determine not only the age of the tomb but also the heights, diets and lifestyle of our ancestors. The number of white-tailed sea eagle talons and bones suggest that this bird may have been the totem of our neolithic ancestors and gives rise to the familiar name 'Tomb of the Eagles'. Uncovered by a storm in 1850 Skara Brae is one of the best preserved groups of Stone Age houses in Western Europe and our visit will reveal the stone furniture, hearths and drains that present a such remarkable picture of Neolithic life.

CRAFTS OF ORKNEY ORKNEY JEWELRY With a passion for her island environment Sheila creates her original designs reflecting nature's wonderful sea, sky and landscape colours. Orkney's history and folklore are also a rich medium for her inspiration. ITALIAN CHAEPL ORKNEY In early 1942 some 550 Italian prisoners of war, captured in North Africa, were brought to Orkney. They were needed to overcome the shortage of labour working on the continuing construction of the Churchill Barriers. These were the four causeways designed to block eastern access to Scapa Flow following the sinking of HMS Royal Oak by a German U-Boat in 1939.Camp 60 was home to the Italian prisoners from 1942 until early 1945. The camp comprised 13 huts, which the Italians improved with concrete paths (concrete was never in short supply during the construction of the Churchill Barriers) and gardens, complete with flower beds and vegetable plots.

Front View of the Chapel Head of Christ Entrance Mosaic Statue of St George Rear View of the Chapel Barrier No 1 from the Chapel In the centre of the camp, one of the prisoners, Domenico Chiocchetti, produced the statue of St George you can still see today, fashioned from barbed wire covered with concrete. The prisoners also worked to produce a theatre and a recreation hut, complete with a billiard table made, perhaps inevitably, from concrete. One thing Camp 60 did lack was a chapel. In 1943 the camp acquired a new commandant, Major T.P. Buckland. He favoured the idea, as did Father Giacombazzi the Camp Padre. Late in 1943 two Nissen huts were provided. They were joined together end to end, with the intention of providing a chapel in one end and a school in the other. The work of turning the Nissen huts into a chapel fell to the prisoners themselves, led once more by Domenico Chiocchetti. The interior of the east end was lined with plasterboard and Chiocchetti started work on what is now the sanctuary.

The altar and its fittings were made from concrete and were flanked by two windows made from painted glass. The gold curtains either side of the altar were purchased from a company in Exeter using the prisoners' own funds. ORKNEYS/MAINLAND We make an early start this morning as we drive to Stromness for the sailing to the mainland. The voyage will take 1 hour & 45 minutes and on the way there are stunning views of the Old Man of Hoy', a spectacular sandstone sea stack. On arrival at the port of Scrabster, drive to visit Dunrobin Castle, the ancestral home of the Dukes and Earls of Sutherland. This fairytale 13th Century castle has a commanding position overlooking the Dornoch Firth and the story goes that its attractive gardens were inspired by those at Versailles. More info FAIR ISLE Fair Isle, locate halfway between Orkney and Shetland is a bird sanctuary and home to knitwear. The traditional woolen designs made with home spun and home dyed wool, are said to have originated with the Spanish sailors.

ISLE OF HARRIS When the Earl of Dunmore bought the island in 1834, his wife promoted the sale of the first Harris Tweeds in London. The crofters' skill had long been famous, but they wove cloth only for themselves or local markets. Annual production now is 6,000,000 yards. ISLE OF MULL & IONA The Sacred Isle Join the modern car ferry for the 40 minute crossing to the Island of Mull As we sail into the sound of Mull look out for wonderful view of Duart Castle, stronghold of the Maclean clan. On arrival at Craignure, drive through Glen More en-route to Fionnphort where another ferry awaits us for the short crossing to the Island of Iona. It was here in 563 AD that St Columba landed to found a monastery and bring Christianity to Scotland, and many early Scottish Kings and chiefs were buried here including Macbeth. The sense of peace and history that pervades the island will remain. ISLES OF MULL AND IONA The third largest of the Hebredian islands.

In 1588 a remnant of the Spanish Armada sank in Tobermory Bay with 3,000,000 gold doubloons aboard. Only a few trinkets have been found. The Isle of Iona, off the southwest tip of Mull is where St. Columba began the effective Christianization of Scotland in 563. Columba's followers preached worldwide. The monastery was attacked by Norse raiders. The oldest Christian burial place is here, popular with Royalty. Macbeth lies here. Travel by ferry to Mull, and travel by scenic landscapes to the ferry for Iona, burial place of many of the Scottish kings and chiefs, including Macbeth. It was here in 563AD that St. Columba established the first Christian monastery in the British Isles. ISLE OF SKYE Get your cameras ready for romantic Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed spot in Scotland Travel to Kyleakin by bridge to the Inner Hebredian Isle of Skye. With nearly a thousand miles of dramatic coastline of coral beaches and sheer cliffs, and an interior of wild peat bogs, the Isle of Skye is a compelling destination.

It seems a world away in time. The pace of life is slow and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. The island is one of the last strongholds of Gaelic culture and this language is spoken by about half of the population. Much of Skye's appeal lies in its legendary association with Bonnie Prince Charlie. At Dunvegan Castle, the clan Macleod stronghold, begun in the 9th century, the "Fairy Flag" brought back from the Crusades is said to have magical powers. Visit the Clan Donald Centre, with its magnificent park and hear about the 13 centuries of clan history. The day ends with a scenic drive along the "Road to the Isles" back to Ft. William. You may also board your ferry for the short crossing to the Inner Hebredian Isle of Skye, with nearly a thousand miles of dramatic coastline of sheer cliffs sweeping down to coral beaches, and an interior of wild peat bogs. It has a legendary association with Bonnie Prince Charlie. Visit the Clan Donald Center, and hear about the 13 centuries of clan history. More Info Isle of Arran A ferry ride. A wild landscape. Golden eagles. Fun and laughter. Standing stones.

Bite-size mountains rising steeply from the sea. Sandy bays. Coastal walks. Quiet glens. This is a Highland experience in miniature, on one accessible island. \ How to get there: CALMAC Calmac sails to twenty-four destinations on Scotland's West Coast. From Arran in the south to Lewis in the north, they cover some of the most beautiful and dramatic places in Scotland. nDiscover a different world. According to Calmac: 10 Great Island Things to Do Looking for inspiration? We've listed a few of our favourite island adventures to help you decide which island to go to this autumn. 1. Have a dram or three on the Island Whisky Trail. Sample some of Scotland's most challenging malts in their own homes. Take a tour of one or more of Islay's seven distilleries. 2. Kit yourself out in trendy tweed. Harris tweed, which can only be made by the islanders of the Outer Hebrides, is the fashionista's favourite fabric of the moment. (Where to buy). 3. Go 'Doon the Watter'. The traditional seaside towns of Millport, Rothesay and Dunoon are just a short drive away from Glasgow.

Build sandcastles on the beach at Millport, enjoy ice-cream and a stroll along the prom or take afternoon tea in a seaside cafe. 4. Get a real taste of the islands on the Arran Taste Trail. Sample artisan cheeses, hand-made chocolates, fine ales and malt whiskies on a gourmet day out on Arran. 5. Take to Skye via the Road to the Isles. Drive the scenic Road to the Isles from Fort William to Mallaig and then sail 'Over the Sea to Skye' on our Mallaig-Armadale service. 6. Hopscotch and Golf. Our Island Hopscotch connects some of Scotland's finest golf courses. Choose one or all of Arran's seven courses before using our Lochranza-Claonaig service to access Machrihanish on the Mull of Kintyre. Finish off by hopping over to Islay to tackle championship standard Machrie Golf Links. 7. Go wild in the islands. Scotland's beautiful and unspoilt west coast islands are are home to an amazing diversity of wildlife species.

The ferry trip itself is often a one of the best places to spot sealife - sit out on deck and scan the sea for whales, dolphins, seals, basking sharks and porpoises.Mull and the Outer Hebrides are our top tips; look out for golden & white-tailed eagles, otters, puffins and corncrake. (Find out more). 8. Have a real island adventure. Ever wanted to try surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking or paragliding? The island way of life may be relaxing but the activities they offer are anything but. Try Tiree for windsurfing, Arran for paragliding or Harris and Lewis for world class surfing and mountain biking. (Find out more). 9. Take a stroll along a perfect beach. The islands offer mile after mile of brilliant white shell beaches. Go in autumn when you'll have the place to yourself. Wrap up warm and go with someone you love. Our favourites are Luskentyre & Scarista (Harris), the Bay at the Back of the Ocean (Iona), and Kiloran (Colonsay). 10. Spend a day in the garden.

Some of Scotland's finest gardens can be found on the islands. Enjoy a day out to Achamore Gardens on Gigha, Benmore Botanic Gardens near Dunoon or Mount Stuart House, Bute. Island Hopscotch/Rover Take the grand tour of Scotland's islands with Calmac's Island Hopscotch® tickets. Valid for one month from the date of your first journey, Island Hopscotch® tickets let you create your own adventure and travel at your own pace. With 26 options to choose from, this really is the way to travel and save money too. Tickets are valid for one journey on each route and can be used in either direction. Isle of Lewis - Isle of Harris - Western Isles - Outer Hebrides - Wildflowers - Wildlife - Photos and Information - Stornoway Photos and Info About The Western Isles The Western Isles - Isle of Harris - Isle of Lewis - Photographs and images of the Hebrides and Hebridean Life.

The picturesque town of Stornoway, lovely beaches, great wildlife, wildflowers, bird sightings, seals, otters, red deer, stunning moorland, hills and mountains, rocks, crags, lochs, lochans, machair and wild flowers, information about the culture, history and geology of the islands and monuments like The Callanish Stones. Images are offered for sale at £5 each - or £4 per image if 3 or more are purchased. We place no restrictions on the use of the images purchased, i.e.you can use your images for websites, printed publications or for personal use. The Western Isles or as it is also called the Outer Hebrides lies some 40 miles off the north west coast of Scotland. The beautiful empty white sandy beaches and the Atlantic waves set against colourful moorland and rugged mountains along with the amazing wildlife makes this part of Scotland truly unique. There are quite a few islands that make up the Western Isles.

The Outer Hebrides sit North of the Inner Hebrides, and comprise of Lewis, Harris, North Uist, South Uist, Benbecula, Barra, The Flannan Islands, St Kilda, Eriskay and other small islands. Being Located on on the outer north western edge of Scotland, means the coastline has been shaped over thousands of years by the full force of the Atlantic ocean creating a breathtakingly beautiful coastline and white sandy beaches. The islands span around 130 miles, some being linked by causeways. There are also a number of ferries linking the islands to each other and mainland Scotland. Inhabited for 1000's years, the islands has plenty of interesting history and places to explore from the magnificent Calanais Standing Stones on Lewis to Bosta Iron Age House on Great Bernera. Getting to the Outer Hebrides is fairly easy. There are daily flights and ferries from Oban, Ullapool and Uig on Skye and the regular inter-island ferries.

Luskentyre beach - Isle of Harris in May - Outer Hebrides Click the Pictures Below for Larger Images ©2014 Virtual Hebrides Website Design and Hosting by Western Isles Web Services Ltd , Isle of Lewis Western Isles - Outer Hebrides This image can be purchased for £5. If 3 or more images are purchased the price will be reduced to £4 per image. Eg. 3 images would cost only £12, a saving of £3. We place no restriction on the use of images purchased, they can be used on websites or printed media without further cost. Once you have purchased your image(s) you will be sent an email with a link to where you can download the image(s).

Your image(s) will be available for download for up 3 month after the date of purchase Isle of Lewis: Language and life inside the Outer Hebrides - BBC News BBC News Isle of Lewis: Language and life inside the Outer Hebrides By Rick Faragher BBC News NI 16 September 2014 Close share panel Image caption Fans of the Old Firm mix freely at the Glasgow Rangers Supporters' Club in Stornoway Inside the Glasgow Rangers football supporters' club there is the usual décor - union flags, team photos, even a portrait of the Queen. Diehard Rangers fans sit in a booth discussing the new season. They are joined by friends kitted out in the green and white of their long-time rivals, Glasgow Celtic. Not a word of English is spoken; the conversation is entirely in Scots Gaelic. Stepping inside the club in Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis, is like entering a different world. Retired health worker Dave Tierney is originally from Andersonstown, Belfast, but he moved to the island, off the west coast of Scotland, 32 years ago. Image caption Stornoway is the main port and the biggest town in the Isle of Lewis He recalls playing football when he first arrived.

"When I went into the changing rooms I heard the Rangers lads and the Celtic lads speaking Gaelic and I started scratching my head thinking 'this is a bit odd'. "One of the Celtic lads and one of the Rangers lads started having a to-do," he says. 'Close-knit' Mr Tierney remembers saying "there could be trouble here" but the young men around him started laughing and told him the pair were brothers. When he questioned if that was true, he remembers being told "yes and, even better, their father is a Free Presbyterian minister'. This is not unusual in this community; life on Lewis is simple. The unspoiled beaches stretch into the distance and its twisting roads lead you through endless miles of heathland and mountains. With a population of about 20,000, the island is close-knit and daily life is very much a shared experience. Protestant faith is a major force here. The Sabbath is widely observed and the main town of Stornoway is eerily quiet on Sundays.

Media captionAngus Campbell, leader of the council, says he has never had a complaint about the name being in Gaelic Gaelic psalms Breaking the silence is a distant echo from the Free Church of Scotland. A distinct melodic drone provides the soundtrack to the empty streets and creaking boats in the harbour. The congregation are singing psalms in Gaelic. "People always look to God," says local historian Malcolm MacDonald. "Everything is shut on a Sunday and it's only in recent times two or three public houses have opened and restaurants have opened. "People seem to be happy with that, even people who are perhaps not Sabbath observant." Image caption The Sabbath is widely observed on the Isle of Lewis and most businesses are shut on Sundays in Stornoway Sunday worship remains a formal occasion in the Free Church in Stornoway. Women heartily sing wearing dresses and hats; the men are all in ties and jackets. Despite a healthy attendance, only a handful are not yet 60 years of age. Across town, a group of boys play football in the street wearing a mixture of Old Firm jerseys. They kick the ball against a wall, practising their first touch, and the jokes are in Gaelic.

Sporting relations are not confined to supporters' clubs in the Isle of Lewis. In the 1990s, the Western Isles Council officially changed its name into Gaelic. Image caption Street signs in Stornoway are written in Scots Gaelic It remains the only local authority in Scotland to have done this and is now formally known as Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. 'Little badge' This was not purely a cultural decision. Gaelic-speaking services employ more than 1,000 people across the Outer Hebrides and, with an economically active population of just 13,000, it is one of the region's most vital industries. Angus Campbell, who is the leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, says he has never received any complaints about the council's decision to use its Gaelic name.

"It came through a Private Member's Bill but I think it's important that it's been embraced by all the people on the islands, and we recognise it as a little badge for ourselves of the difference that we as a community have from maybe some of the communities elsewhere in Scotland." Cultural isolation The council's leader does not speak the language fluently himself, but says he know enough to get by. "I speak a little bit of Gaelic, not an awful lot, but I do know when people are talking about me in Gaelic, which is the most important thing," Mr Campbell says. From the air, heading back to the Scottish mainland, you are reminded of the rugged, often unforgiving, terrain. Life on Lewis might mean cultural isolation, but few who live there would have it any other way. Rick Faragher's report from the Isle of Lewis will be broadcast on BBC Newsline at 18:30 BST on Tuesday, on BBC One Northern Ireland.

Question: On which Scottish island is the town of Stornoway?
Answer: LEWIS